One of my favorite salads to make in the fall! It is super simple, just a few ingredients & works perfectly for a quick, easy meal or a dinner party.
The star of the salad is the vegan blue cheese. I am still trying to perfect the recipe for the cheese (just a few more tweaks). Once I do, I’ll link it here. However, in the meantime, or if you don’t have the desire or time to make your own vegan cheese you can use a store-bought version. Miyoko’s makes great flavored cheese wheels that can be used. The smoked gouda would be delicious as well. (not sponsored)
Crisp Pear Salad
Super, simple salad, great for a solo meal or dinner party.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 small pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4-1/2 cup crumbled vegan blue cheese see notes
- 1 sprinkle poppy seeds optional garnish
Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp agave or maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette by whisking together all ingredients. Set aside.
- Slice the pears thinly, either in wedges or whole, removing seeds (see picture).
- In a large bowl toss the arugula, walnuts & 1-2 tbsp of dressing.
- Divide the greens onto two plates. Top with the pear slices. Crumble the cheese on top. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side, using as needed. Optional: Sprinkle poppy seeds over the top of the salad.
Notes
The focus of this salad is on the pear & flavors of the cheese. If you prefer, you can increase the greens & reduce the amount of pear.
There are many vegan cheeses on the market these days you may just have to search a little harder or hit Whole Foods if you have one near you. If you can find a blue cheese it pairs best, but you can easily do a smoked gouda, feta or even herbed cheese.
If serving for the salad portion of a dinner party just increase the amounts as needed.
Enjoy!!!!